Sophia Rose is here with a review of contemporary romance Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. Come see why she was drawn to this trope and see her thoughts….
by Carley Fortune
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn't.
At thirty-two, Fern's life doesn't look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern's back home, running her mother's Muskoka lakeside resort--something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend's the manager, and Fern doesn't know where to begin.
She needs a plan--a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern's going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern's not sure she wants to know what it is.
But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?
Sophia Rose’s Review
Any time I come across a plot that resembles the old classic movie, An Affair to Remember, I am draw to it like a magnet. For those not in the know, I refer to the trope of two strangers meeting, spending a short time together, delaying a deeper relationship, but agreeing to meet a time later only for one to show at the appointed time and the other, for mysterious reasons that get answered by the end, to leave them hanging. Meet Me at the Lake has just such a premise so I snatched it up to give this bittersweet summery, second chance romance by a new to me author a go.
I have to say upfront that this story will not be for every romance lover or will work better when the reader is in the mood for this sort of set up. See, one has to first push aside the cheating aspect because the heroine was in a relationship when they met and then one has to buy into a ‘soul match at first sight’ deal because they only had a long, meaningful day together before going their separate ways for a decade. The story is told in present time and past glimpses from Fern’s point of view and journal entries to get her mom’s story.
I found myself slipping in and out of the mindset needed so I have mixed feelings about this one. I’m not one for cheating in my romances, but I was easily able to get past that speed bump safely and appreciate the incredible day the coffee shop worker and the wall artist took off and spent together seeing Toronto through young lovers’ eyes. The Toronto love made me see this city so well that I felt it was another main character. Fern was on the verge of going home to face a boyfriend who wasn’t really her forever guy and duty to her mom by working the family-owned lake resort rather than following her own desire to remain in the city. I enjoyed young Will and Fern even while the reader never gets the same dive into Will’s background like with Fern’s. This is on purpose, of course, and the table setter for what is to follow when he misses their one year meeting and Fern doesn’t encounter him again until she returns home to finally do her duty by the faded, failing resort and Will is the buttoned-up business manager hired to help.
Fern’s ten-year pent up emotions about that one (yes a less than 24-hour period) day didn’t sell me. Some second chance romance situations are like that with me. Just like, I was really hoping the reason for Will’s missing their meet up would justify all his distance and secrecy. It was bad and my heart hurt for him, but I thought he should have explained much sooner. I know… reasons, but, again, I didn’t feel the romance with the pair of them as a result. Following Fern’s and Will’s journeys to this point had much more appeal. Seeing them heal and look forward rather than back with all settled was satisfying. So, I changed how I was seeing this story to more women’s fiction genre than contemporary romance and ended up loving it more as a result.
All in all, I liked how the author was able to make me feel the story and the situation even while my mind was chewing on the realistic improbabilities. I think that makes for some romance-writing chops. But, that said, I would recommend this one to those who enjoy women’s fiction crossing over to contemporary romance rather than straight up romance.
About Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune is the New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of EVERY SUMMER AFTER. Carley is an award-winning journalist and worked as an editor at some of Canada’s top publications, including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Toronto Life, and The Grid. She was most recently the Executive Editor of Refinery29 Canada. Carley spent her young life in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, and in Barry’s Bay, a tiny lakeside town in rural Ontario and the setting for EVERY SUMMER AFTER. EVERY SUMMER AFTER was an instant international bestseller and Carley’s debut novel.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Cheating will often take me out of a story unfortunately. So not sure if I’d be able to get all the way through this one, although other than that it does sound good! Thanks for sharing!
Sophia Rose
Yeah, that’s why I mentioned it b/c it can be a struggle to get past that for some of us readers. You bet, Lisa!
Katherine
Not sure about this one and I think I would end up having mixed feelings. I really struggle with the cheating element. Great review!
Sophia Rose
It was a small part at the beginning of the backstory, but, like you, it can be touch and go when its there. Thanks, Katherine!
Sophie
I honestly had mixed feelings too !
Sophia Rose
When I was into it, I loved it, but yeah, I wasn’t always into it. Sorry you had that happen too, Sophie.
Laurel-Rain Snow
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Sophia Rose
Howdy, Laurel-Rain!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than you, but I can understand your points of frustration. Glad to see you enjoyed it overall, Sophia. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Yeah, I was just not connection always, but it was a well-written story that still made me glad I read it.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
Great review!
I definitely love the sound of this book. There is just something about that whole ‘The Affair to Remember’ trope that I love as well.
Sophia Rose
Yes! A strong, emotional storyline, Maureen. 🙂
DEBBIE HAUPT
The Affair to Remember trope would be a draw for me too Sophia Rose and yet I would be really bothered by the cheating aspect too. I can see why you liked this but why it only got a 3.5.
Sophia Rose
Yeah, I hemmed and hahed over what rating to put down, but realized I leaned toward above average, but not an untroubled read. The trope was definitely attractive and especially at a summer resort setting. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
Interesting. I’ve seen very favorable reviews for this one.
Sophia Rose
I went in without seeing it anywhere else and just wanting a few good summer feel ones to try. I’m glad I did because the ending was strong and made me feel good.